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MENASource

Dec 10, 2024

Where Syria goes next after the fall of Assad

By Frederic C. Hof

The departure of Bashar al-Assad from Syria and the implosion of his regime is, for me, easily the most pleasant geopolitical surprise of the twenty-first century. Twenty million Syrians face continued tough times as men with weapons try to sort out what is next in terms of governance. But there is but one absolute certainty: With […]

Conflict Middle East

MENASource

Dec 9, 2024

Advancing US national security through Middle East AI negotiations

By Akash Wasil

Leading negotiations around global AI standards can help the United States manage security risks and ensure that emerging frameworks align with its values and interests.

Artificial Intelligence Middle East

MENASource

Dec 6, 2024

What lies ahead for the Israel-Hamas war—and what the United States should do about it

By Doug Livermore

As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to evolve, the incoming Donald Trump administration will need to adopt a nuanced and forward-looking approach that builds upon prior efforts to avoid further destabilization.

Conflict Crisis Management

Content

Report

Dec 11, 2024

Even in authoritarian countries, democracy advocates are worth investing in

By Fernanda Buril, Nate Grubman, and Patrick Quirk

Case studies in four different regions suggest that using foreign assistance to support actors and organizations advocating for democracy worldwide is an effective strategy, even if the payoff is not immediately apparent.

Democratic Transitions Elections

New Atlanticist

Dec 10, 2024

A blueprint for bringing about a new Syria

By Kirsten Fontenrose

For a reconstruction strategy in Syria to be effective, all parties must adopt a unified approach that is clear-eyed about the country’s new leaders.

Crisis Management International Organizations

MENASource

Dec 10, 2024

Where Syria goes next after the fall of Assad

By Frederic C. Hof

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Dec 10, 2024

Charai in The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Assad’s Downfall: A Turning Point in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Dec 9, 2024

Dispatch from Doha: Assad’s fall, Iran’s weakness, and the impact of unintended consequences

By Jonathan Panikoff

In just six months, Iran has slid from a position of strength to perhaps the weakest it has been since 1979.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Dec 9, 2024

Advancing US national security through Middle East AI negotiations

By Akash Wasil

Leading negotiations around global AI standards can help the United States manage security risks and ensure that emerging frameworks align with its values and interests.

Artificial Intelligence Middle East

Fast Thinking

Dec 8, 2024

Assad has fallen. Now what?

By Atlantic Council

The power shift in Syria will reverberate across the Middle East and the world. Our experts explain what's next.

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

Dec 8, 2024

Experts react: Rebels have toppled the Assad regime. What’s next for Syria, the Middle East, and the world?

By Atlantic Council experts

Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has been ousted as opposition forces quickly took the Syrian capital. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on the developments.

Conflict Corruption

Report

Dec 6, 2024

The threats posed by the global shadow fleet—and how to stop it

By Elisabeth Braw

Since 2022 the number of aging ships whose ownership, insurance status, and safety is unknown has exploded, prompted by Russia's reliance on this "dark fleet" to ship its oil in defiance of Western sanctions. What can be done about this environmental, economic, and safety threat on the high seas?

China Europe & Eurasia

MENASource

Dec 6, 2024